1
|
Majumder N, Ghosh S. 3D biofabrication and space: A 'far-fetched dream' or a 'forthcoming reality'? Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108273. [PMID: 37863444 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The long duration space missions across the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) often expose the voyagers to an abrupt zero gravity influence. The severe extraterrestrial cosmic radiation directly causes a plethora of moderate to chronic healthcare crises. The only feasible solution to manage critical injuries on board is surgical interventions or immediate return to Earth. This led the group of space medicine practitioners to adopt principles from tissue engineering and develop human tissue equivalents as an immediate regenerative therapy on board. The current review explicitly demonstrates the constructive application of different tissue-engineered equivalents matured under the available ground-based microgravity simulation facilities. Further, it elucidates how augmenting the superiority of biomaterial-based 3D bioprinting technology can enhance their clinical applicability. Additionally, the regulatory role of weightlessness condition on the underlying cellular signaling pathways governing tissue morphogenesis has been critically discussed. This information will provide future directions on how 3D biofabrication can be used as a plausible tool for healing on-flight chronic health emergencies. Thus, in our review, we aimed to precisely debate whether 3D biofabrication is deployed to cater to on-flight healthcare anomalies or space-like conditions are being utilized for generating 3D bioprinted human tissue constructs for efficient drug screening and regenerative therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Majumder
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pan C, Zhang Y, Yan J, Zhou Y, Wang S, Liu X, Zhang P, Yang H. Extreme environments and human health: From the immune microenvironments to immune cells. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116800. [PMID: 37527745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to extreme environments causes specific acute and chronic physiological responses in humans. The adaptation and the physiological processes under extreme environments predominantly affect multiple functional systems of the organism, in particular, the immune system. Dysfunction of the immune system affected by several extreme environments (including hyperbaric environment, hypoxia, blast shock, microgravity, hypergravity, radiation exposure, and magnetic environment) has been observed from clinical macroscopic symptoms to intracorporal immune microenvironments. Therefore, simulated extreme conditions are engineered for verifying the main influenced characteristics and factors in the immune microenvironments. This review summarizes the responses of immune microenvironments to these extreme environments during in vivo or in vitro exposure, and the approaches of engineering simulated extreme environments in recent decades. The related microenvironment engineering, signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, clinical therapy, and prevention strategies are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengwei Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Yuzhi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Jinxiao Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Yidan Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Sijie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Xiru Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, 710021, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment, China; Research Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Medical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Garcia Sabate A, Chesney Quartey B, Alatoom A, Al-Sayegh M, Li R, Chen W, Teo J. Effects of an aged tissue niche on the immune potency of dendritic cells using simulated microgravity. NPJ AGING 2023; 9:14. [PMID: 37393393 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-023-00111-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Microgravity accelerates the aging of various physiological systems, and it is well acknowledged that aged individuals and astronauts both have increased susceptibility to infections and poor response to vaccination. Immunologically, dendritic cells (DCs) are the key players in linking innate and adaptive immune responses. Their distinct and optimized differentiation and maturation phases play a critical role in presenting antigens and mounting effective lymphocyte responses for long-term immunity. Despite their importance, no studies to date have effectively investigated the effects of microgravity on DCs in their native microenvironment, which is primarily located within tissues. Here, we address a significantly outstanding research gap by examining the effects of simulated microgravity via a random positioning machine on both immature and mature DCs cultured in biomimetic collagen hydrogels, a surrogate for tissue matrices. Furthermore, we explored the effects of loose and dense tissues via differences in collagen concentration. Under these various environmental conditions, the DC phenotype was characterized using surface markers, cytokines, function, and transcriptomic profiles. Our data indicate that aged or loose tissue and exposure to RPM-induced simulated microgravity both independently alter the immunogenicity of immature and mature DCs. Interestingly, cells cultured in denser matrices experience fewer effects of simulated microgravity at the transcriptome level. Our findings are a step forward to better facilitate healthier future space travel and enhance our understanding of the aging immune system on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Garcia Sabate
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brian Chesney Quartey
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aseel Alatoom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Al-Sayegh
- Biology Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Jeremy Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jacob P, Oertlin C, Baselet B, Westerberg LS, Frippiat JP, Baatout S. Next generation of astronauts or ESA astronaut 2.0 concept and spotlight on immunity. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:51. [PMID: 37380641 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we have sent humans into space for more than 50 years, crucial questions regarding immune response in space conditions remain unanswered. There are many complex interactions between the immune system and other physiological systems in the human body. This makes it difficult to study the combined long-term effects of space stressors such as radiation and microgravity. In particular, exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation may produce changes in the performance of the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels and in the major physiological systems of the body. Consequently, abnormal immune responses induced in the space environment may have serious health consequences, especially in future long-term space missions. In particular, radiation-induced immune effects pose significant health challenges for long-duration space exploration missions with potential risks to reduce the organism's ability to respond to injuries, infections, and vaccines, and predispose astronauts to the onset of chronic diseases (e.g., immunosuppression, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, gut dysbiosis). Other deleterious effects encountered by radiation may include cancer and premature aging, induced by dysregulated redox and metabolic processes, microbiota, immune cell function, endotoxin, and pro-inflammatory signal production1,2. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the immune system and discuss knowledge gaps that future studies should address.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christian Oertlin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gent University, Gent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lv H, Yang H, Jiang C, Shi J, Chen RA, Huang Q, Shao D. Microgravity and immune cells. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20220869. [PMID: 36789512 PMCID: PMC9929508 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment experienced during spaceflight severely impaired immune system, making astronauts vulnerable to various diseases that seriously threaten the health of astronauts. Immune cells are exceptionally sensitive to changes in gravity and the microgravity environment can affect multiple aspects of immune cells through different mechanisms. Previous reports have mainly summarized the role of microgravity in the classification of innate and adaptive immune cells, lacking an overall grasp of the laws that microgravity effects on immune cells at different stages of their entire developmental process, such as differentiation, activation, metabolism, as well as function, which are discussed and concluded in this review. The possible molecular mechanisms are also analysed to provide a clear understanding of the specific role of microgravity in the whole development process of immune cells. Furthermore, the existing methods by which to reverse the damage of immune cells caused by microgravity, such as the use of polysaccharides, flavonoids, other natural immune cell activators etc. to target cell proliferation, apoptosis and impaired function are summarized. This review will provide not only new directions and ideas for the study of immune cell function in the microgravity environment, but also an important theoretical basis for the development of immunosuppression prevention and treatment drugs for spaceflight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Lv
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-an Chen
- Hematology Department, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, 309 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Simulated Microgravity Disrupts Nuclear Factor κB Signaling and Impairs Murine Dendritic Cell Phenotype and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021720. [PMID: 36675236 PMCID: PMC9865583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During spaceflights, astronauts face different forms of stress (e.g., socio-environmental and gravity stresses) that impact physiological functions and particularly the immune system. In this context, little is known about the effect of such stress on dendritic cells (DCs). First, we showed that hypergravity, but not chronic ultra-mild stress, a socio-environmental stress, induced a less mature phenotype characterized by a decreased expression of MHCII and co-stimulatory molecules. Next, using the random positioning machine (RPM), we studied the direct effects of simulated microgravity on either splenic DCs or Flt-3L-differentiated bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). Simulated microgravity was found to reduce the BM-conventional DC (cDC) and splenic cDC activation/maturation phenotype. Consistent with this, BMDCs displayed a decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines when exposed to microgravity compared to the normogravity condition. The induction of a more immature phenotype in microgravity than in control DCs correlated with an alteration of the NFκB signaling pathway. Since the DC phenotype is closely linked to their function, we studied the effects of microgravity on DCs and found that microgravity impaired their ability to induce naïve CD4 T cell survival, proliferation, and polarization. Thus, a deregulation of DC function is likely to induce immune deregulation, which could explain the reduced efficiency of astronauts' immune response.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim M, Jang G, Kim KS, Shin J. Detrimental effects of simulated microgravity on mast cell homeostasis and function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055531. [PMID: 36591304 PMCID: PMC9800517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity causes significant alterations in astronauts' immune systems during spaceflight; however, it is unknown whether microgravity affects mast cell homeostasis and activation. Here we show that microgravity negatively regulates the survival and effector function of mast cells. Murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were cultured with IL-3 in a rotary cell culture system (RCCS) that generates a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment. BMMCs exposed to SMG showed enhanced apoptosis along with the downregulation of Bcl-2, and reduced proliferation compared to Earth's gravity (1G) controls. The reduction in survival and proliferation caused by SMG exposure was recovered by stem cell factor. In addition, SMG impaired mast cell degranulation and cytokine secretion. BMMCs pre-exposed to SMG showed decreased release of β-hexosaminidase, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) upon stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore ionomycin, which correlated with decreased calcium influx. These findings provide new insights into microgravity-mediated alterations of mast cell phenotypes, contributing to the understanding of immune system dysfunction for further space medicine research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjin Kim
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongin Jang
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sung Kim
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,*Correspondence: Jinwook Shin,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gregg RK. Implications of microgravity-induced cell signaling alterations upon cancer cell growth, invasiveness, metastatic potential, and control by host immunity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:107-164. [PMID: 34074492 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The human endeavor to venture beyond the orbit of Earth is challenged by both continuous space radiation and microgravity-induced immune dysfunction. If cancers were to develop in astronauts, it is unclear how these abnormal cells would grow and progress in the microgravity environment. It is unknown if the astronaut's immune response would be able to control or eradicate cancer. A better molecular understanding of how the mechanical force of gravity affects the cell as well as the aggressiveness of cancers and the functionality of host immunity is needed. This review will summarize findings related to microgravity-mediated alterations in the cell cytoskeleton, cell-cell, and cell-extracellular matrix interactions including cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules, selectins, and integrins and related cell signaling. The effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on cell viability, cancer cell growth, invasiveness, angiogenesis, metastasis as well as immune cell functions and the subsequent signaling pathways involved will be discussed. Microgravity-induced alterations in function and signaling of the major anti-cancer immune populations will be examined including natural killer cells, dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Further studies regarding the molecular events impacted by microgravity in both cancer and immune cells will greatly increase the development of therapies to restrict tumor growth and enhance cancer-specific responses for both astronauts and patients on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randal K Gregg
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prolonged exposure to simulated microgravity diminishes dendritic cell immunogenicity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13825. [PMID: 31554863 PMCID: PMC6761163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction due to microgravity remains a hurdle in the next step of human space exploration. Dendritic cells (DC) represent a critical component of immunity, given their role in the detection of invaders and the subsequent task of activating T cells to respond and eliminate the threat. Upon encounter with microbes, DC undergo a process of maturation, whereby the cells upregulate the expression of surface proteins and secrete cytokines, both required for the optimal activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In this study, DC were cultured from 2–14 days in a rotary cell culture system, which generates a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment, and then the cells were assessed for maturation status and the capacity to activate T cells. Short-term culture (<72 h) of DC in SMG resulted in an increased expression of surface proteins associated with maturation and interleukin-6 production. Subsequently, the SMG exposed DC were superior to Static control DC at activating both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as measured by interleukin-2 and interferon-γ production, respectively. However, long-term culture (4–14 d) of DC in SMG reduced the expression of maturation markers and the capacity to activate T cells as compared to Static DC controls.
Collapse
|
10
|
Stervbo U, Roch T, Kornprobst T, Sawitzki B, Grütz G, Wilhelm A, Lacombe F, Allou K, Kaymer M, Pacheco A, Vigne J, Westhoff TH, Seibert FS, Babel N. Gravitational stress during parabolic flights reduces the number of circulating innate and adaptive leukocyte subsets in human blood. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206272. [PMID: 30427865 PMCID: PMC6235284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravitational stress occurs during space flights or certain physical activities including extreme sports, where the change in experienced gravitational acceleration can reach large magnitudes. These changes include reduction and increase in the physical forces experienced by the body and may potentially induce pathogenic alterations of physiological processes. The immune system is known to regulate most functions in the human organism and previous studies suggest an impairment of the immune function under gravitational stress. However, systematic studies aiming to investigate the effect of gravitational stress on cellular immune response in humans are lacking. Since parabolic flights are considered as feasible model to investigate a short-term impact of gravitational changes, we evaluated the influence of gravitational stress on the immune system by analyzing leukocyte numbers before and after parabolic flight maneuvers in human blood. To correct for circadian effects, samples were taken at the corresponding time points on ground the day before the flight. The parabolic flight maneuvers led to changes in numbers of different leukocyte subsets. Naïve and memory T and B cell subsets decreased under gravitational stress and lower numbers of basophils and eosinophils were observed. Only circulating neutrophils increased during the parabolic flight. The observed changes could not be attributed to stress-induced cortisol effects, since cortisol levels were not affected. Our data demonstrate that the gravitational stress by parabolic flights can affect all parts of the human immune system. Consequently, it is possible that gravitational stress can have clinically relevant impacts on the control of immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine - Medical Clinic I, Marien Hospital Herne - University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Toralf Roch
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tina Kornprobst
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerald Grütz
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Wilhelm
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francis Lacombe
- Laboratoire d’hématologie, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, Pessac, France
| | - Kaoutar Allou
- Laboratoire d’hématologie, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, Pessac, France
| | | | | | | | - Timm H. Westhoff
- Center for Translational Medicine - Medical Clinic I, Marien Hospital Herne - University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Felix S. Seibert
- Center for Translational Medicine - Medical Clinic I, Marien Hospital Herne - University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Center for Translational Medicine - Medical Clinic I, Marien Hospital Herne - University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kozbial A, Bhandary L, Collier BB, Eickhoff CS, Hoft DF, Murthy SK. Automated generation of immature dendritic cells in a single-use system. J Immunol Methods 2018; 457:53-65. [PMID: 29625078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are an indispensable part of studying human responses that are important for protective immunity against cancer and infectious diseases as well as prevention of autoimmunity and transplant rejection. These cells are also key elements of personalized vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases. Despite the vital role of DCs in both clinical and basic research contexts, methods for obtaining these cells from individuals remains a comparatively under-developed and inefficient process. DCs are present in very low concentrations (<1%) in blood, thus they must be generated from monocytes and the current methodology in DC generation involves a laborious process of static culture and stimulation with cytokines contained in culture medium. Herein, we describe an automated fluidic system, MicroDEN, that allows for differentiation of monocytes into immature-DCs (iDCs) utilizing continuous perfusion of differentiation media. Manual steps associated with current ex vivo monocyte differentiation are vastly reduced and an aseptic environment is ensured by the use of an enclosed cartridge and tubing network. Benchmark phenotyping was performed on the generated iDCs along with allogeneic T-cell proliferation and syngeneic antigen-specific functional assays. MicroDEN generated iDCs were phenotypically and functionally similar to well plate generated iDCs, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing MicroDEN in the broad range of applications requiring DCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kozbial
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Lekhana Bhandary
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Bradley B Collier
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Christopher S Eickhoff
- Saint Louis University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
| | - Daniel F Hoft
- Saint Louis University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States; Saint Louis University, School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
| | - Shashi K Murthy
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Aponte VM, Finch DS, Klaus DM. Considerations for non-invasive in-flight monitoring of astronaut immune status with potential use of MEMS and NEMS devices. Life Sci 2006; 79:1317-33. [PMID: 16757003 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2006] [Revised: 03/25/2006] [Accepted: 04/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of how astronauts' immune systems respond to space flight have been studied extensively, but the complex process has not to date been thoroughly characterized, nor have the underlying principles of what causes the immune system to change in microgravity been fully determined. Statistically significant results regarding overall immunological effects in space have not yet been established due to the relatively limited amount of experimental data available, and are further complicated by the findings not showing systematically reproducible trends. Collecting in vivo data during flight without affecting the system being measured would increase understanding of the immune response process. The aims of this paper are to briefly review the current knowledge regarding how the immune system is altered in space flight; to present a group of candidate biomarkers that could be useful for in-flight monitoring and give an overview of the current methods used to measure these markers; and finally, to further establish the need and usefulness of incorporating real-time analytical techniques for in-flight assessment of astronaut health, emphasizing the potential application of MEMS/NEMS devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V M Aponte
- Aerospace Engineering Sciences, 429 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, 80309, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Graebe A, Schuck EL, Lensing P, Putcha L, Derendorf H. Physiological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic changes in space. J Clin Pharmacol 2005; 44:837-53. [PMID: 15286087 DOI: 10.1177/0091270004267193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Medications have been taken since the first Mercury flight in 1967 and, since then, have been used for several indications such as space motion sickness, sleeplessness, headache, nausea, vomiting, back pain, and congestion. As the duration of space missions get longer, it is even more likely that astronauts will encounter some of the acute illnesses that are frequently seen on Earth. Microgravity environment induces several physiological changes in the human body. These changes include cardiovascular degeneration, bone decalcification, decreased plasma volume, blood flow, lymphocyte and eosinophil levels, altered hormonal and electrolyte levels, muscle atrophy, decreased blood cell mass, increased immunoglobulin A and M levels, and a decrease in the amount of microsomal P-450 and the activity of some of its dependent enzymes. These changes may be expected to have severe implications on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drug substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Graebe
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lynch SV, Brodie EL, Matin A. Role and Regulation of σ
s
in General Resistance Conferred by Low-Shear Simulated Microgravity in
Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2004; 186:8207-12. [PMID: 15576768 PMCID: PMC532419 DOI: 10.1128/jb.186.24.8207-8212.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Life on Earth evolved in the presence of gravity, and thus it is of interest from the perspective of space exploration to determine if diminished gravity affects biological processes. Cultivation of
Escherichia coli
under low-shear simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions resulted in enhanced stress resistance in both exponential- and stationary-phase cells, making the latter superresistant. Given that microgravity of space and SMG also compromise human immune response, this phenomenon constitutes a potential threat to astronauts. As low-shear environments are encountered by pathogens on Earth as well, SMG-conferred resistance is also relevant to controlling infectious disease on this planet. The SMG effect resembles the general stress response on Earth, which makes bacteria resistant to multiple stresses; this response is σ
s
dependent, irrespective of the growth phase. However, SMG-induced increased resistance was dependent on σ
s
only in stationary phase, being independent of this sigma factor in exponential phase. σ
s
concentration was some 30% lower in exponential-phase SMG cells than in normal gravity cells but was twofold higher in stationary-phase SMG cells. While SMG affected σ
s
synthesis at all levels of control, the main reasons for the differential effect of this gravity condition on σ
s
levels were that it rendered the sigma protein less stable in exponential phase and increased
rpoS
mRNA translational efficiency. Since σ
s
regulatory processes are influenced by mRNA and protein-folding patterns, the data suggest that SMG may affect these configurations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S V Lynch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, D317 Sherman Fairchild Science Building, Stanford University School of Medicine, 299 Campus Dr., Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|